A handi mic has different settings. One setting lets it pick up the voices of several people in different parts of the room. Another setting may let you pick up the sound of a speaker in one direction.

The handi mic can also be passed around to different speakers.

How you can get an FM system

Ask your child's audiologist about getting an FM system for your child.

Sound Field Systems

How a Sound Field System works

A Sound Field System is a lot like an FM system. Here's how it works:

You talk into a microphone.

The microphone can be used by one person, like a parent or teacher.

You can also set up a microphone in the middle of a small group. The mic will pick up their voices and send them to your child's ear.

The microphone is connected to a transmitter. The transmitter sends the sounds to a receiver.

The sound is sent to speakers placed all around a room.

How it can help

A Sound Field System can help all children in the class hear the teacher's voice better.

A Sound Field System is especially helpful for children who are hard of hearing or have mild to moderate hearing loss.

A Sound Field System can also help children who have cochlear implants.

Where you can use a Sound Field System

Sound Field Systems are mostly used in classrooms.

How you can get a Sound Field System

Your child's school may have a sound field system. Ask your child's teacher or the principal if the school has it. If they don't, ask for one at your child's IEP meeting. The law says schools have to give children with hearing loss special help like this. Read Your Child's Rights to learn more about the laws that protect your child.

Key points

An FM system can help your child hear better at home, school and other places.